Poles spend 40.4 hours a week on average. That is 3 hours more than the average in the European Union. Today's 40-hour working week is simply a US-based standard. He was introduced by Henry Ford as early as 1914, shortening his working day to 8 hours without reducing his salary. Although this step was controversial at the time, it rapidly brought Ford tangible benefits. Today, however, more and more companies see that the conventional model no longer meets the realities of modern times.
– The breakthrough was the pandemic, which forced organisations to test more flexible forms of employment – he explains Maria Zakrzewski, President of the Management Board Great Place To Work Poland. – Many employers then noticed that shorter working time does not mean lower efficiency.
Four-day work week already works – examples from Poland and the world
In many European countries, the shortened week of work has become the norm. In France, a 35-hour week has been in force for 24 years. In Poland, national pilots announced Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. The program is scheduled to start in early 2026. However, it is worth looking at organisations that have already implemented a shorter week of work.
W Lesznie and Włocławek officials work 5 days a week, but little than an hr a day. For a year and a half, a four-day working week has been active in the company Herbapol Poznań. How He Judges PresidentThis model has yielded very good results. In 2024 the company achieved the best financial results in respective years.
Similar effects were achieved by the American e-commerce company Bolt, awarded repeatedly by large Place To Work. She decided to take a short week's work test after noticing a increasing burnout among the employees. For 3 months, everyone had a day off all Friday. 84% of them felt an improvement in the balance between work and private life. 86% declared better time management. After the test, the company permanently switched to a fresh model. The number of volunteers to work in Bolt increased by 200%.
Benefits for employees and companies
A shorter week of work is more time to rest, household and make passion. This translates into a lower level of occupational burnout, reduced absenteeism and better concentration at work. For employers, it is simply a way to halt talent and attract fresh candidates.
This model can besides bring operating savings – lower power, heating and water consumption. little access to work besides means lower exhaust emissions and saving time.
– Improving intellectual well-being is 1 of the key benefits, says Wincho-Gasik Dream au Great Place To Work Poland. – erstwhile the time is less, teams work more deliberately and focus on what is truly important. It is crucial that leaders set clear targets. erstwhile workers know what is expected of them, their work becomes more meaningful. Then “must” is replaced with “I want”, which translates into greater commitment and efficiency.
Not all profession can work in specified a model
A four-day work week won't work in all industry. another solutions request to be developed in challenges requiring change – specified as uniforms, wellness care and transport. There may besides be more stress if teams effort to accomplish the same results in little time. This is peculiarly the case for production where mistakes are easier.
The hazard of injustice besides exists. For example: in IT developers may have free Fridays, but helpdesk department must be available to customers. It is then essential to supply equivalent benefits, specified as flexible schedules or additional paid leave.
We besides request to rethink the organization of work. If teams operate on different days, there may be interference in communication. Decisions may be delayed and crucial information overlooked. Therefore, clear rules on information flow and consequence time are so important. If an worker feels the force to respond despite the day off, the benefits of reduced working time are undermined.
How do employees measure a four-day working week?
According to the survey Hays of May 2025, 10% of Polish specialists have already had experience with the four-day working week. 79% of them were positive. The most commonly pointed to better regeneration and more time for the family.
But there were besides fears. any respondents talked about the pressures of time, possible overtime and the hazard of lowering wages. These voices show a deficiency of assurance in employers' intentions. The large Place To Work studies show that flexible forms of work work work well where there is simply a strong culture based on trust.
How to introduce a shorter week of work?
The first step is Knowledge of staff needs. Does everyone want to work 4 days a week or just a part? The reasons for their choices and possible concerns must be understood.
Trust is the foundation of success. Managers gotta trust the squad to do their occupation without continuous supervision. Workers should be certain that they will be assessed on the basis of results alternatively than hours. Clear objectives and ways of measuring efficiency are needed.
Short week of work is besides challenge for leaders. They should set an example – take advantage of days off and not disturb private workers' time. If leaders send emails in the evenings or on days off, they signal that the squad should besides be available.
Every organization is different. What works in 1 company doesn't necessarily work in the other. But the foundations are universal – trust, clear expectations and open communication. A four-day working week can be a step towards a healthier and more effective working environment if implemented with caution.
Source: Great Place To Work Poland
